Best Selling Books by Andrew Young

Malaria is a devastating disease that afflicts hundreds of millions of people worldwide each year. The recent availability of the genome sequence and several transcriptome and proteome datasets for Plasmodium falciparum, the agent responsible for the most lethal form of the disease, promises to accelerate the pace of malaria research. However, functional genomic methods must first be developed that are capable of converting the wealth of information contained within these large datasets into high-quality, testable hypotheses that lead to biologically relevant conclusions. For this purpose, we have developed functional genomic methods that use P. falciparum transcriptome datasets to elucidate malaria parasite gene function and transcriptional control mechanisms. First, I will describe a knowledge-based clustering algorithm we developed called Ontology-based Pattern Identification (OPI) that uses microarray-generated transcriptome data to rapidly predict gene function on a genome-wide basis. OPI analysis of transcriptome data from P. falciparum asexual, sporozoite, and high-purity stage I-V gametocytes using Gene Ontology annotations as a guide resulted in the identification of 381 functionally enriched gene clusters. These results shed light on the components of molecular mechanisms underlying parasite sexual development, as well as a multitude of other malaria parasite biological processes. Second, I will describe an algorithm we developed called Gene Enrichment Motif Searching (GEMS), designed specifically for the identification of cis -regulatory elements in the extremely AT-rich parasite genome. When applied to 21 OPI clusters, GEMS identified 34 putative cis -regulatory motifs associated with a variety of parasite processes including sexual development, cell invasion, antigenic variation and protein biosynthesis. These data, along with results from subsequent experimental characterization of several of these putative cis -regulatory elements using reporter gene assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and DNA-affinity purification experiments suggest cis -regulatory element mediated transcriptional regulation plays an important role in the overall control of P. falciparum gene expression. The functional genomics approaches developed herein will aid to lay the groundwork for future research towards developing novel therapeutics against malaria.

If we are to take action on climate change, support environmental justice and deliver a just transition for more resilient societies we urgently need to provide access, connect and (re)use environment related data (ERD). Several different projects are attempting to improve access, connection and use of data, but lack a clear common governance. The right governance system can simplify connections, open up processes to wider voices, and unlock barriers to accessing and re-using ERD.

While the recently completed U.S. Federal Building in San Francisco features numerous sustainable aspects that reduce energy demand, the most impressive feature required a distinctive structural floor system. Designers applied a non-linear, integrative approach between varying disciplines whose systems are typically mutually exclusive to construct a high-performance building system. Through the use of upturned concrete T-beams, designers created a naturally ventilated workspace that employs the thermal mass of an exposed concrete ceiling. This concrete absorbs heat during the day and is purged at night by cool breezes. This study investigates the inherent structural and constructability properties associated with upturned concrete beam systems in conjunction with its environmental performance so as to better understand its feasibility. A design case study is conducted to evaluate the related construction material and labor costs using ACI 318 practices. The results confirm the innate structural and construction properties while reasons for efficiencies and detriments of the upturned concrete beam system in comparison to a standard T- beam system are discussed. A payback period for the time in which the initial investments in potentially more expensive construction practices is calculated applying average energy saving data. Improvements to the design of upturned concrete beam system are also proposed as well as improvements to the role of the structural engineer in designing for energy minimization.